Neurointervention + thrombus aspiration + promising future
The Millipede88, developed by Perfuze, is the Superbore intracranial aspiration catheter specifically designed for mechanical thrombectomy in acute ischemic stroke.
The Millipede88 features an 8F outer diameter (approximately 2.74 mm) and an extra-large 0.088-inch (approximately 2.24 mm) inner diameter, significantly exceeding that of traditional 6F aspiration catheters (typically with an inner diameter ≤0.074 inches). With a working length of up to 119 cm, it can reach target intracranial vessels such as the distal internal carotid artery, the M1/M2 segment of the middle cerebral artery, the vertebral artery, and the basilar artery. The catheter wall employs a dual-reinforcement structure of metal coils and braided mesh, combined with polymer materials, to provide necessary pushing support while maintaining luminal patency.
The most innovative design feature of the Millipede88 is its distal segment, which utilizes an external corrugated rib-groove geometry. This structure, through alternating raised ribs and recessed gaps, significantly increases the flexibility and bendability of the distal catheter, allowing it to smoothly pass through tortuous anatomical structures such as the internal carotid siphon segment. The matching Millipede70 features an internal corrugated design, forming a synergistic system. The distal end of the catheter is equipped with a soft, non-invasive tapered tip coated with a hydrophilic coating to reduce frictional resistance.
As a contact aspiration device, the Millipede88’s technology is based on the following mechanisms: Super-strong suction force: Its 0.088-inch inner diameter, combined with an external vacuum source (typically a 60 cc VacLok injector), generates significantly higher negative pressure suction capacity than conventional catheters, enabling complete thrombus engulfment. Distal flow control: When the catheter tip is tightly pressed against the proximal end of the thrombus, the super-large lumen can achieve local blood flow stagnation or even reverse flow, effectively preventing thrombus fragments from escaping distally and reducing the risk of iatrogenic embolism. ADAPT technology compatibility: The Millipede88 can be used directly as the core device for ADAPT technology or in conjunction with a stent thrombectomy device, providing distal access support and aspiration assistance.
Preliminary data from the pivotal MARRS clinical trial, validating clinical performance, showed that the Millipede88 achieved a free pre-extraction (FPE) rate of 61% in all target vessels, and a remarkable 77% FPE rate in M1 segment occlusion of the middle cerebral artery, with a device delivery success rate of 99% and a median of only one procedure. This catheter received FDA 510(k) clearance in March 2026, becoming the first Superbore catheter approved for independent direct aspiration.
